Behind the ‘Deadly Breast Cancer Gene’: Confirmed as a Myth

Angelina Jolies’s prophylactic mastectomy is naughty! The susceptible breast cancer genes of BRCA1 and BRCA2 are also a myth! These were confirmed by a new Lancet Oncology Study stating that BRCA 1 and 2 do not have the power to determine breast cancer survival outcomes, in contrary to what is believed by the medical profession!

The study entitled Germline BRCA mutation and outcome in young-onset breast cancer (POSH): a prospective cohort study, found out that there is no significant difference in the overall survival rate between patients carrying a BRCA1 or 2 mutation and patients without these, after breast cancer diagnosis.

The following are the findings of the study

Between the years 2002 and 2008, 2,733 women between the ages 18 to 40 years old (approximately 12%) have been treated within 127 hospitals across the United Kingdom for breast cancer which they believe, also have BRCA mutation. Tracking these patients’ medical records, within a 10-year mark, 651 of them died from breast cancer. Those who have BRCA mutation were monitored to have survived within 2-, 5-, and 10-year mark. About a third of the patients with BRCA mutation underwent a double mastectomy (removing both breasts) after the breast cancer diagnosis but it didn’t improve their chances to survive until the 10-year mark. Some died from breast cancer within 2- until 5-year mark.

The myth about the breast cancer gene was strongly agreed upon by actress Angelina Jolie. She fuels this dangerous belief by choosing to undergo for prophylactic mastectomy due to her BRCA status and physicians’ recommendation. This incident just goes to show social that status and fame can change people’s insights about a certain matter.

Going back, the study did not find any clear evidence that the BRCA1 or 2 germline mutations can really affect the patient’s chance of survival after breast cancer diagnosis; even after adjusting to known prognostic factors.

“Decisions about the timing of risk-reducing surgery should take into account primary tumor prognosis and patient preference. BRCA mutation carriers presenting with triple-negative breast cancer might have an improved survival during the first few years after diagnosis compared with non-carriers, although immediate bilateral mastectomy did not account for this advantage. Finally, analysis of early outcome data from trials exploring BRCA-deficient tumor treatment in patients with triple-negative breast cancer should be interpreted with caution in view of the possible early survival advantage for BRCA mutation carriers.”

Fortunately, continuous researches and studies are being conducted to test the validity of existing beliefs. In this case, more breast cancer patients will be enlightened by how this disease works in the body and what are its real causes. You need to be informed. Read responsibly.